Moving to Dubai? Here’s How to Find a Job in Advance of Your Move

Dubai, like many other Middle Eastern countries, was built on oil wealth. Today, however, oil revenue only accounts for 5% of Dubai’s GDP and the Emirate has successfully diversified into a thriving business centre and tourist destination. Dubai is now a major centre of investment with world-class business facilities and liberal economic policies.

International trade in Dubai has increased by 11% per year in the last two decades, which has led to rapid economic growth. It’s an excellent place to live and work, especially for ex-pats, although it is worth pointing out that despite Dubai’s cosmopolitan vibe, it is still governed by the laws of Islam. Nevertheless, if you are willing to adhere to the rules, Dubai is one of the more liberal of the United Arab Emirates. For this reason, many people choose to move to Dubai to further their career and earn tax-free money.

Before you start booking flights and researching accommodation, it is sensible to have a job lined up in Dubai. The city is an expensive place to live if you are not working, so it’s essential that you investigate the Dubai job market prior to your move.

The Dubai Job Market

The job market in Dubai is varied, but some skills are more in demand than others. Many big companies have offices in Dubai, including a number of international law firms. If you have a background in law, finance, IT, procurement, and marketing, your resume is going to be attractive to local firms. A LinkedIn study found that job candidates looking for roles in marketing, sales, business development, engineering, and tourism were most in demand. Telecomms is another in-demand sector.

Polish Your CV

Before you start looking for a job in Dubai, it’s a good time to polish up your CV. The local job market is very competitive, so lucrative roles for large companies will be a prize fought over by hundreds of candidates. A generic CV will not stand out. Rather than fill your CV with fluff, quantify your skills with real-world examples of how you nailed it in your last job. Pay close attention to skills that are in demand in Dubai, and if you have any foreign language skills, especially Arabic, make sure you include them in your CV.

There are plenty of useful resources for job candidates hoping to spruce up their CV, but it may be helpful to talk to a recruiter who deals with the Dubai job market.

Register with a Recruitment Agency

Many top Dubai companies only hire people via recruitment agencies in Dubai. They use agents to carry out the first round of interviews and weed out unsuitable candidates. Recruitment agencies tend to specialise in key sectors, so look for an agency that fits your skill set. Avoid agencies that ask for an up-front fee to match you with a suitable employer. Reputable recruitment agencies such as Job Nexus charge the end-client, not the job candidate.

The more in-demand your skills are, and the more prestigious the position you are after, the more attractive you will be to headhunters. Nevertheless, if you have a strong skill set and are willing to put in some legwork speaking to different recruitment agencies, it is definitely worth going down this route, as not all available positions will be advertised in the public domain.

Networking

Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Many positions are only advertised internally, or candidates are selected based on a personal recommendation. It’s a good idea to start networking on LinkedIn and other professional networking sites. Look for contacts in your sector and start making ‘friends’. It’s often a case of ‘who you know, not what you know’ that propels candidates into the final cut.

Look out for Dubai networking events, especially if you are hoping to find work in specialised sectors such as construction claims and data analysis. The people you connect with at these events could be the contacts that offer you a job.

Register for Online Recruitment Sites

There are several popular websites where job seekers can find positions and internships. Global recruitment websites such as Indeed and Monster and are a good place to start, but check out Khaleej Times Jobs and Dubai Task, among others. If you are looking for a job in the tourist industry, or a lower-paid job, this is the best place to start.

Contact Companies Directly

Don’t be afraid of contacting companies directly. If you already work for a company with a branch in Dubai, speak to HR about a possible transfer. Or, if you have a burning desire to work for a company with links to Dubai, send your CV along with a speculative cover letter. Remember: fortune favours the brave!

Always ensure you negotiate your contract before you accept a job in Dubai. The cost of living is high, so your agreed salary and perks should reflect this.